"Oh, I am so thankful!" cried Miss Yard. "I knew Nellie would be lost, going out these dreadful dark nights."
"She only went to choir practice, miss. Sidney is her young man now, and they'll make the best looking couple in Highfield," said Bessie.
"How silly of you to tell her that!" said Mrs. Drake crossly.
Miss Yard said nothing for a few moments. She stared at the mummy, then at the grandfather clock, which was no longer in working order; and presently her poor old face began to twitch and tears rolled down her cheeks. She tried to rise, but Kezia restrained her with kindly hands, saying, "Don't worry, miss. Sidney is a very nice young man, and I'm sure Nellie couldn't do much better."
"She never told me," sobbed Miss Yard.
"Perhaps she did, but you know you don't remember anything," said Mrs. Drake soothingly.
"My memory is as good as yours. I can remember you eating a lot of chocolate on your fifth birthday, and being suddenly sick in the fender. Nellie has run away and got married—and I never gave her a wedding present—and I can't get on without her. You know, Maria, I never did like that fat woman at the post office."
"What has she got to do with Nellie?"
"You told me Nellie had to marry the man because the post office failed—and that woman opens my letters and reads them."
"Call Nellie and tell her to put Miss Sophy to bed," ordered Mrs. Drake.